|
New!
Nanotech Scenario Series
Join the
conversation at
CRNtalk!
| |
PRESS RELEASE: AUGUST 15, 2005
Center for
Responsible Nanotechnology Announces
Formation of New Task Force to Study Societal Implications
Today the Center for Responsible Nanotechnology
(CRN) announced the charter members of a new Task Force convened to study the
societal implications of this rapidly emerging technology. Bringing together a
diverse group of world-class experts from multiple disciplines, CRN will begin a
historic, collaborative effort to develop comprehensive policy recommendations
for the safe and responsible use of molecular manufacturing.
See
current CRN Task Force status HERE
Nanotechnology is the projected ability to make things from the bottom up, using
techniques and tools that are being developed today to place every atom and
molecule in a desired place. When this form of molecular engineering is
achieved, it will result in a manufacturing revolution — with more promise for
society than the computer revolution, but with potentially serious economic,
social, environmental, and military implications.
Mike Treder, Executive Director of CRN, made the following statement:
“Progress toward developing the technical requirements for desktop molecular
manufacturing is moving faster than it was when we founded CRN two years ago.
The recent announcement of a Technology Roadmap for Productive Nanosystems, to
be organized by the Battelle research organization and the Foresight Nanotech
Institute, has highlighted the urgent need for parallel policy discussions at
the highest levels. We must not allow efforts to effectively prepare for the
impacts of nanotechnology to lag behind advances on the technical side.
“All of our research to date shows that molecular manufacturing will have a
transformative impact on our society, industry, the environment, and
geopolitics. Without adequate preparation and study, the effects could be
dangerously disruptive.
“CRN is honored today to announce the charter members who will head the
important work of the Task Force. They share our vision that it is critical to
begin this dialogue and to include people with expertise and worldviews spanning
the globe. In addition, we are proud to have both the Society of
Manufacturing Engineers and the Society of Police Futurists International
as organizational participants.”
Charter members of the Task Force include:
 |
Nick Bostrom, Ph.D.
—
Director, Future of Humanity Institute, Oxford University |
|
David Brin
—
Author, The Transparent Society |
|
Jerome C. Glenn
—
Millennium Project, American
Council for the United Nations University |
|
Ray Kurzweil
—
Founder and CEO, Kurzweil Technologies, Inc.
|
Treder continued, “We look forward to working
together with all these leaders in their respective fields to establish a
factual foundation for advanced nanotechnology; identify potential problems
arising from the technology and its administration; design recommendation for
global solutions; plan and strategize the implementation of the solutions; and
communicate our findings to where they need to be heard.
“Without mutual understanding and cooperation in making policy, the hazardous
potentials of advanced nanotechnology could spiral out of control and deny any
hope of realizing the benefits to society. The CRN Task Force, led by this talented
group of charter members, is poised to begin this important work.”
The Center for Responsible Nanotechnology (http://CRNano.org)
is a non-profit research and advocacy organization concerned with the major
societal and environmental implications of advanced nanotechnology. CRN promotes
public awareness and education, and the crafting of effective policy to maximize
benefits and reduce dangers. Headquartered in New York, CRN was an affiliate of
World Care, an international, non-profit, 501(c)(3) organization.
Contact: Mike Treder, Executive Director
mtreder@crnano.org
718.398.7272
|
